Chairperson of the Zambia-Finland Parliamentary Association, Honourable Imanga Wamunyima MP, says the establishment of a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group by the Finnish Government is a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking during a courtesy visit paid on the Group by the Ambassador of Finland to Zambia, Ms. Saana Halinen, on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024, Hon. Wamunyima noted that the new Friendship Group would serve as a platform for enhancing diplomatic exchanges and collaboration in areas such as education, health, deforestation and drought management for sustainable development.

He further stated that Zambia aims to strengthen this partnership through direct exchanges with Finnish lawmakers, particularly in key areas such as Finland’s green campaigns and practices.

 “As Zambian lawmakers, the green campaigns and practices promoted in Finland offer valuable insights for community engagement on climate change issues, which is a priority for us all,” He noted

And, Secretary of the Zambia-Finland Parliamentary Group, Hon. Chewe Taulo, said that Zambia is endowed with vast land and receives substantial amount of rainfall in certain regions. He noted that learning from Finland’s advanced agricultural technology is crucial to maximize on the country’s natural resources to enhance growth in agriculture and improve water management.

Meanwhile Senanga Member of Parliament who is also Member of the Group, Hon. Walusa Mulaliki, appreciated Finland’s mechanization especially, the manufacturing of Sisu trucks already used in Zambia. He expressed hope that with the Friendship established, the Group could assist in acquiring dragger trucks to help address flood challenges in constituencies.

And Solwezi West Member of Parliament, Hon. Nicholas Mukumbi, expressed hope that the partnership would foster economic growth in Zambia, particularly by exploring Finland’s rapid economic evolution. Hon Mukumbi pointed out that his constituency, rich in both semi-precious and precious stones, could benefit from Finnish technology to add value to these minerals.

 “We are also interested in learning from Finland’s cultural exchanges, which have contributed to its economic success and how such practices could be implemented in Zambia,” he said.

Speaking Earlier, Ambassador Saana Halinen reaffirmed Finland’s dedication to strengthening ties with Zambia, particularly through development in education, agriculture and environmental sustainability. She noted that Finland’s expertise in climate action, technology and resource management, aligns well with Zambia’s development priorities.

Ambassador Halinen explained that Finland’s development cooperation in Zambia focuses on forestry, natural resources and social welfare sectors. “Finland is a mining country with many success stories in forestry and it is embedded in our legislation that whenever a tree is cut, another must be planted. This policy has ensured that Finland does not suffer the effects of deforestation and I believe it is something that Zambia can emulate,” She said.

Ms. Halinen, further informed the Group that Finland is poised to explore more areas of investment in Zambia. She disclosed that Finnish companies like ZANIF and MENSO are already providing capacity building and heavy machinery to support Zambian communities at both national and constituency levels.

Other areas for potential collaboration discussed included scholarship opportunities, entrepreneurship, sports and youth activities for Zambians and capacity building programs for Members of Parliament.